US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini for a state dinner at the White House

Obamas attend final state dinner

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The sleeveless gown showcased the first lady's famously sculpted arms and its draped design highlighted her figure. She enhanced the disco vibe of the sparkly dress with sleek, straight hair and side-swept bangs.

The soiree for Mr Renzi was the 13th and final state dinner for the US president, who leaves office in January. It was also one of the largest of Mr Obama's tenure.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wait to greet the Italian Prime MinisterCredit:
AP

Tuesday's guest list included a touch of everything: celebrities, lawmakers, senior administration officials, White House staff, a larger-than-usual contingent of journalists and others, and it had the feeling of having been designed as one big final "thank you" to all.

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama enter the White House with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese LandiniCredit:
EPA

"This has truly been a successful final state dinner," she said between dinner and the entertainment.

In his pre-dinner toast, Mr Obama said American democracy had been graced by a touch of Italy. He noted that the Lincoln Memorial and the interior of the US Capitol dome were done by Italians, and raised a glass to the two nations' "enduring alliance".

Calling attention to the presence of Roberto Benigni, Mr Obama said the actor-director had "promised not to jump on the tables." The comment recalled Benigni's antics after he won an Academy Award in 1999 for the Italian film "Life is Beautiful."

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wait for the Italian prime minister Credit:
EPA

Congressman Gerald Connolly said it's "a little sad" that it was Mr Obama's last state dinner. But to make the occasion even more memorable, he said: "For tonight only, I pronounce my name 'Canoli,' not 'Connolly."

Johnny Wright, who styles Mrs Obama's hair, described the moment as "bittersweet," but he, too, was excited to have been invited.

Others, meanwhile, sought to inject a little levity into the evening.

"We're Jews, but we identify as Italian," joked comedian Jerry Seinfeld. By way of explaining why the Obamas may have invited him and his wife, Jessica, Seinfeld said they spend a lot of time travelling in Italy "and we almost exclusively go out for Italian food, but that's as far as I can figure".

Celebrity chef Mario Batali was invited to help the White House kitchen crew prepare the meal, and Grammy Award-winning pop singer Gwen Stefani was on hand to perform after the tables were cleared. Not only did Batali collaborate on dinner, he was also invited to attend as a guest.

The menu was designed to showcase traditional Italian dishes that are familiar to Americans and were made with ingredients pulled from Mrs Obama's garden during this month's final harvest.

Mr Obama has held 13 state dinners during nearly eight years in office, two more than President George W. Bush, who held 11, but fewer than other recent predecessors, according to the White House Historical Association. President Bill Clinton far exceeded both of his successors with 28 dinners during his two terms in office.